RETENTION POND MAINTENANCE IN ROCHESTER, NY
There are several names for retention ponds: farm ponds, earthen bottom ponds, golf course ponds, development ponds, etc. Generally, these ponds are 1/8th to 1 acre in size with varying depths. All pond maintenance is site-specific. At Clearly Aquatics in Rochester, NY, we recommend a pond consultation by one of our experts.
We will spend about an hour listening to your key issues and then walk the pond pointing out the good and evil. If there are issues you want us to give you estimates on, we will write them up. Depending on the problems, we first utilize natural methods, then mechanical, and finally, safe aquatic chemical applications.
Natural Methods
Grass Carp - Grass carp eat the overgrowth of aquatic plants. These fish are triploid and can not reproduce. They require a free permit to obtain. They are limited to the type and amount of weeds they will eat. But can prove to be a valid piece of pond maintenance.
Fathead Minnows - We use minnows to eat mosquito larvae and to balance the food web in your pond.
Addition of Beneficial Bacteria
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We use a product called Pond-Vive. This is a highly researched and effective product. The special blend of bacteria is safe for fish, pets, and families. Pond vive reduces sludge and oxygen demand. It eliminates pond odors and excess nutrients and improves overall water clarity. The bucket sells it in simple water-soluble packs tossed into the pond. We recommend purchasing enough for one season at a time for the best results and price—more details on Beneficial Bacteria.
Mechanical
We use four different kinds of mechanical pond maintenance equipment... well, actually 5, if you count waders (we are in waders most of the year working on ponds!).
1. Floating Booms - You may have seen this product used to contain oil spills. We use it to skim off floating algae or duckweed. The long booms flow from one end of the pond to the other, collecting the debris on one shoreline where it can be harvested with pitchforks and hand nets. This may be labor intensive, but it does not use any pesticides. The drawback is that the algae or duckweed is reduced but not eliminated, so further booming may be needed.
2. Lake Rakes - Large aluminum rakes with long teeth and a 20-foot rope attached. The rake is thrown out into the water, where it sinks. It is pulled in by hand, ripping nuisance aquatic weeds out. Once the problem areas have been harvested, the large weeds can be composted in the garden or tossed in the woods.
3. Underwater Cutters - This gas-powered unit is used in the pond by a person in waders. Cattails are cut out underwater, where they float up and can be harvested by pitchfork and composted. The sickle bar motorized handheld unit is labor intensive, but when used by an experienced pond specialist, it can effectively reclaim your pond from overgrown cattails.
4. Excavator/bulldozer - Our goal is to prevent pond owners from having to get to this step. This can be very pricy and used when the pond has become a swamp!
5.
Pond Bank Mowing
- We mow down the scrub grass and high weeds that have overtaken your pond banks. Often, these slopes are steep and should be cut by a seasoned professional.
A Pond consultation will provide the best option for your pond.
Our staff has been DEC-certified for using aquatic pesticide applicators. We use plant-specific products that will NOT HARM fish. Each pond is treated like it was our kids and dogs swimming in the pond.
Most of the products we use are as safe as the top products you may find in your local hardware store. If you are in Rochester, NY, or surrounding counties, give us a call, and we'll take care of your retention pond.
A well-maintained pond will last for a very long time, give us a call to learn more (585) 657-7679.